Gas prices fall in area

Wednesday

Oct 19, 2016 at 1:01 AM

Roger Bluhm/@roger_dcglobe

Fall has officially arrived. It’s marked as much with falling gas prices as it is with falling leaves.

The average price of gasoline dropped 2 cents last week, following the national lead. The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline has dropped for nine consecutive days, reaching a national average of $2.24 per gallon. The state average is now $2.09 a gallon, according to AAA Kansas.

Dropping demand, a changeover to winter blend and uncertainty over Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries future plans are dropping the price of gas.

"October is a time we all expect gas prices to decline," said Gregg Laskoski, a senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com. "Looking at the change in the US average price for Octobers from 2015 to 2012, it’s dropped from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31 by 12, 34, 11 and 26 cents respectively.

"That’s an average decrease of 20 cents per gallon during the last four Octobers."

While cost declines are expected in the month, things are a little different this year.

"This month has proven to be an exception with the national average still a few cents higher than where it was on Oct. 1 at $2.22," Laskoski said. "While the price increase of crude oil has stalled the expected price decrease for retail gasoline, problems at major refineries in Indiana, Texas, Louisiana and California have adversely impacted supply as well.

"The most recent EIA report shows US refinery output at just 85.5 percent, the lowest level since Jan. 22, 2015."

The lowest prices in Dodge City were at Murphy USA, Dillons and Kwik Shops at $1.94 a gallon. All three stations are down 7 cents from a week ago.

Other prices in the area include Conoco at $2.03 and Love’s Travel Plazas at $2.05 a gallon.

Parsons continue to be the lowest price in Kansas with seven locations at $1.87 a gallon. Two locations in Wichita are selling unleaded gasoline for $1.89 a gallon while three spots in Pittsburg are at $1.92.

The highest price for a gallon of regular unleaded is Moundridge, where a Cenex is selling at $2.39 a gallon.